Waynesville Paints History: Community Joins Mural Creation

Last weekend, Waynesville residents gathered for a paint party to put the final touches on the town's newest historic mural. This extensive artwork, funded by a $35,000 grant from the WNC Community Foundation and public donations, captures Waynesville's history from the early 1900s to the 1970s through a series of postcard-style scenes.

Muralist Max Dowdle led the community effort, which involved volunteers painting pre-outlined sections. He noted that community paint sessions foster a sense of ownership. The mural's design, refined with local historians and artists, focuses on realism to accurately represent historical figures and downtown Waynesville, including a focal point of the original Smokies Arch.

Dowdle, who completed the majority of the mural in a single week, left larger elements like rhododendrons for volunteers due to their simplicity. The project, commissioned by the Waynesville Public Art Commission, transformed a stucco wall into a vibrant historical narrative, becoming the latest installation on the Waynesville Public Art Trail.

The building owner, Doug Worrell, generously allowed his wall to be used for the mural. Additional funding support was provided by the Downtown Waynesville Commission and the Haywood County Arts Council. This collaborative effort ensures Waynesville's history is preserved and celebrated visually for years to come.